Lewis, however, has her beginning students learn bobbin lace on pieces of Styrofoam rather than invest in a pillow. Beginners are taught torchon lace, a geometric pattern done on a 45 degree angle.

With the (ostensibly) noble cause of introducing bobbin lacemaking to the American ladies, "The Torchon Lace Company has purchased the American patents on a handsome new and improved little Loom." ...

The craft began in Italy in the 15th Century but spread across Europe due to its relative simplicity. A pattern is laid on a pillow, then pinned out, and threads, each held on a weighted bobbin ...